By Erewunmi Peace

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was reportedly arrested by police officers on Thursday morning at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to eyewitnesses, Sowore was picked up by operatives shortly after attending court proceedings. The arrest reportedly caused a brief commotion around the court premises before he was taken away in a police vehicle.

The Nigeria Police Force later confirmed the arrest, stating that Sowore allegedly violated a court order restricting protests around the Three Arms Zone in the Federal Capital Territory. Police authorities said his presence at the court, alongside a small group of supporters, was considered a breach of that order.

In a swift reaction, members of Sowore’s legal team and civil rights advocates condemned the arrest, describing it as an attempt to intimidate and silence dissenting voices. They maintained that the activist had not violated any law and called for his immediate release.

“Omoyele Sowore was at the court in full compliance with legal processes. His arrest is another violation of his rights,” one of his lawyers said.

As of the time of filing this report, Sowore’s current location remains unclear, though police sources indicated that he is being questioned at the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIB) in Abuja.

Sowore, a vocal critic of government policies and founder of Sahara Reporters, has faced multiple arrests in the past linked to his activism and participation in public protests.

Civil society organizations have already begun calling for transparency and adherence to due process in handling his latest detention.